The Medieval Period (1100AD - 1499AD)

Life In The Middle Ages

Bronze Fragments

Period:

Medieval

Description:

During the early Middle Ages earthenware cooking vessels were used. By the 1300s pottery had been replaced by metal, usually bronze, an alloy of tin and copper. The most common shape was the cauldron with three legs and an angular handle at either side of the neck. These pots were either hung from a chain over the fire, or stood directly in the flames.

(left) Small curved fragment of bronze that tapers to form an animal's head decoration, complete with two ears at one end.

(centre) Small flat rectangular fragment of bronze, plain on both sides.

(right) Small triangular fragment of bronze, the tapered side forming a point on which the pot would have sat.